Apparatus using the energy produced by the explosion of a machine gun cartridge (shell)

ABSTRACT

A repeating apparatus, which may be in the form of an impacting tool or a nail-driving device, utilizes the force of explosion of a cartridge to move a sliding element, such as a piston, towards the front of the apparatus. The apparatus is provided with feeding devices, for feeding cartridges or nails, and the feeding devices are provided with rigid supporting elements to enclose a cartridge or nail on the barrel axis of the apparatus during firing of the apparatus.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Pierre Termet 16 Impasse Belloeuf, 69 Lyon, 6 eme, France [21] Appl. No. 847,151 [22] Filed Aug. 4, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 4, 1972 [32] Priority Aug. 5, 1968 [3 3] France [31] 161953 [54] APPARATUS USING THE ENERGY PRODUCED BY THE EXPLOSION OF A MACHINE GUN CARTRIDGE (SHELL) 5 Claims, 28 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 227/10, 206/56 DF [51] Int. Cl B25c 1/14 [50] Field of Search 227/8, 9, 10, 11, 136, 137;206/56DF [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 418,360 12/1889 Van Houten 227/137 2,525,637 10/1950 Bell 227/137 Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Att0meyCushman, Darby & Cushman ABSTRACT: A repeating apparatus, which may be in the form of an impacting tool or a nail-driving device, utilizes the force of explosion of a cartridge to move a sliding element, such as a piston, towards the front of the-apparatus. The apparatus is provided with feeding devices, for feeding cartridges or nails, and the feeding devices are provided with rigid supporting elements to enclose a cartridge or nail on the barrel axis of the apparatus during firing of the apparatus.

mammm 4:912 3.632.032

SHEET 030F 13 PATENTEDJAN 4x972 3.632.032

SHEET O HJF 13 PATENTEDJAN 41912 311332.032

MEET OSUF 13 PATENTED JAN 4:972

SHEET OBUF 13 er 4 1 f n W M SHEET 07UF 13 PATENTEI] JAN 41972 PATENTEB JAN 4 I972 SHEET USUF 13 PATENTED JAN 41972 3532.032

SHEET lOOF 13 FEE/E8 fl/uf/vraz 1 /5355 725:4:7'

PATENTED JAN 4 1972 SHEET 11 0F 13 jZ/l z/vrale ,fife/e ZZ-ZMfi' 25 I M7 ,4 JA/cK tqdl 00 00 0 0 0 PATENTEUJAN M972 sum lZUF 13 PATENTEDJAH 41912 3.682.032

SHEET 13UF 13 i 7 Z VZYS APPARATUS USING THE ENERGY PRODUCED BY THE EXPLOSION OF A MACHINE GUN CARTRIDGE (SHELL) The present invention relates to a new device which makes possible a certain number of successive shots without having to reload between shots, the device being used in apparatus actuated by the explosion of a cartridge.

The invention applies especially to slaughtering apparatus for butchery of animals and to naildriving devices with direct firing or with an impacting piece.

The invention is based on the use of reloading devices containing a specific number of cartridges or a specific number of nails, which allows rapid loading of the apparatus, the reloading devices being destroyed as they are used. These reloading devices which thus are only used once allow a substantial saving of time.

The present invention relates as a novel product of manufacture to a repeating apparatus which operates by the force of the explosion of a cartridge, the said apparatus being substantially characterized in that it comprises in combination at least one reloading device constituted by a support, preferably of plastic, in which several cartridges are inserted, a recess between the barrel of the apparatus and the firing mechanism, and suitable means to cause the placement of a cartridge opposite the barrel by the movement of the sear, and percussion of the said cartridge whose explosion is produced while it is held with its case in the reloading device.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the reloading device comprises a piece made of plastic, in a substantially parallelepiped configuration, furnished with orifices side by side to receive the cartridges, the device having one face that presents ramps that cooperate with a drive element disposed on the apparatus to cause successive placement of the various cartridges before the firing mechanism.

The reloading clips of this first embodiment can advantageously be placed in a loader containing a plurality of reloading clips, e.g. six or eight, the various reloading devices being automatically introduced into the apparatus as they are used.

In another embodiment, the reloading device of the invention is rolled in a helix, being made of a plastic material that is sufficiently flexible to be able to straighten out at the moment that it issues from the apparatus, the drive ramps being placed to one side of the spiral reloading device, whereas the cartridges are placed in orifices that are parallel to the generatrix of the spiral.

According to another embodiment, the reloading device is constituted by a wheelshaped piece which can turn about a pin that passes through its center, the ramps being disposed along the periphery of the rim in which, parallel to the wheel pin, there are orifices to receive the cartridges.

In another embodiment of the reloading device of the invention, the movement communicated to the sear simultaneously causes the movement of the reloading device, to bring a new cartridge opposite the firing mechanism and cocking the element which, striking the firing mechanism, ensures the firing of the cartridge that has just been positioned.

IN the case of an apparatus intended for nail driving, it is possible simultaneously to use reloading devices containing cartridges and reloading devices of analogous structure which contain the nails that are to be driven. Synchronized drive elements simultaneously move the cartridge and the nail into firing position.

The advancing movement of the reloading devices for cartridges and nails can be effected by means of the sear that causes firing of the cartridge. It can also be effected by an auxiliary control element, in the case in which the invention is applied to a nailing gun with deadweight, which can cause the return of the hammer to the rear.

In the case in which the reloading device is sufficiently rigid to withstand the stresses generated by the cartridge explosion, the reloading device is simply positioned at the moment of firing between the part of the apparatus that forms the breech and the forward part that supports the barrel.

On the other hand, when the reloading clip is light in structure, especially in the form of a flexible web, the cartridge is held at the moment of explosion between two rigid metallic pieces one of which is movable and serves to drive the reloading device to bring the different cartridges into position for firing in succession. Thus in one embodiment of the reloading device that has the form of a web with teeth that contains the cartridges is driven between the rounded fixed piece and a movable rotor which presents recesses that correspond to the form of the teeth of the reloading device, to bring each cartridge in succession opposite the firing mechanism, effectively engaging it along its whole periphery.

In a modification of this embodiment, the cartridges are held during firing between a peripherally recessed rotor and a chain each link of which has a recess corresponding to the dimensions of the cartridge, which chain is applied against a fixed piece to hold the cartridge at the moment of firing.

In another embodiment, the apparatus is provided with two rotors that are mutually applied tangentially and that are provided with corresponding recesses, to hold the cartridge in firing.

Similar devices can also be used for delivery of nails in the case of a nailing apparatus.

According to the invention the reloading devices can completely surround the cartridge cases or simply hold them at certain spots. In the former case it is advantageous to make the end of the orifices of the reloading device that receive the cartridges so that upon explosion of the cartridge this end will be applied to the barrel end to ensure a seal.

Other features and characteristics of the invention will become evident from the description of several embodiments given as examples and shown in the drawing.

IN the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows in section a stunning apparatus for butchery, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial section along IIII of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section of the loading device used with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and FIG. 4 is a partial section of a reloading device used with 'the loader shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a section along VV of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows schematically another embodiment of a reloading device of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a partial section of a naildriving device on the reloading apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows schematically another embodiment of a reloading device of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a nailing device of the invention.

FIG. 10 also shows a section along X-X of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows in partial section another embodiment of the nail driving device of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows in longitudinal section a naildriving device in which an external lever ensures the advancing of the cartridges ad nails as well as the recall of the deadweight.

FIG. 13 is a section along XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 12 with rigid reloading device.

FIG. 15 is a view ofpart 15 ofFIG. I4.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are sections along XVI-XVI of FIG. I5, before and after explosion of the cartridge.

FIG. 18 is a modification of the front part of FIG. 12.

FIG. 19 shows a modification of the drive device for the cartridge clip.

FIG. 20 is a view in perspective of the drive element of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 show different embodiments of nailreloading devices in the form of flexible webs.

FIG. 24 is a view in perspective of another embodiment of a naildriving gun of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic section showing the drive of the nail rotors.

FIG. 26 is a partial section of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 27 is a partial section along XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a loader that can be used according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 there is shown a stunning apparatus for butchery that comprises in known manner a barrel 1 inside which a piston 2 slides, being furnished with a rod 3 that bears at its tip a stunning mass 4, while an elastic sleeve 5 ensures return of piston 2 to the firing position after explosion of each cartridge.

Although the description relates to an apparatus that functions by stunning, it is clear that the invention could also apply to a slaughtering apparatus using a perforating pin.

Barrel 1 is integral with body 6 of the apparatus which is furnished with a grip 7. The body of the apparatus presents a recess 8 whose width corresponds to that of the reloading device that is designated as a whole by reference numeral 9.

In the drawing there is also seen firing mechanism 10 which is schematically shown, as well as element 11 which is urged by string 12, striking the firing mechanism to ensure the firing of the cartridge.

A trigger 13 slidably mounted, to slide in the direction of arrow F, on body 6 of the apparatus is furnished at the back with a sear 14 which is thrust upward by a spring 15 and furnished with a taperheaded screw 16 which is of such configuration that when it is applied to stop 17 it causes the downward movement of sear 14, with compression of spring 15.

When trigger 13 is pushed toward the left in the direction of arrow F, with compression of spring 18, the end of sear 14 causes leftward displacement of piece 11 which compresses spring 12 until the head of screw 16 is applied to stop 17, which causes downward movement of sear 14 and the freeing of piece 11 which strikes the firing mechanism 10 and causes explosion of the cartridge.

The latter is contained in a reloading device 9 which is shown in a more detailed way in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In FIG. 4, the upper part of the illustration of the reloading device 9 is the part which is applied in recess 8 against the surface which is integral with body 6 of the apparatus, whereas the lower part of the illustration of the reloading device is applied to the front surface of barrel 1 of the apparatus.

The design of reloading device 9 and of its seat in the apparatus is such that cartridges 19 can come successively into position opposite the explosion chamber which is the axis of piston 2.

In this position of the cartridges, firing mechanism 10 strikes them on their periphery to effect an annular explosion, as is known. The lower part of reloading device 9 (FIG. 1) comprises, as can be distinctly seen in FIG. 4, a series of recesses and ramps that allow the retention of each cartridge in position at the moment of firing and the movement of the reloading device to bring a new cartridge into firing position, as will be described below.

To this end, the reloading device 9 presents a series of recesses 20 which present an inclined portion 200 extended by a straight portion 20b, of constant depth, while two of the recesses 20 in succession are joined by a ramp 21 that is clearly distinguished in FIG. 5, which ramp connects tangentially with recess 20 near portion 20b.

The trigger presents on its forward part a telescopic catch 22 thrust by spring 23. By this arrangement, if we assume that the apparatus is in inoperative position, a cartridge having been fired, and that the trigger is again actuated in the direction of arrow F, catch 22 will engage in groove 20 and as it passes over the path indicated by arrows f, it will displace reloading device 9 to the left by a distance that corresponds to the space between two cartridges and then retain the reloading device 9 in this position while it is in portion 20b of recess 20.

At the moment at which firing has been effected as explained above, the force exerted on the trigger is relaxed, catch 22 returns to the back along the path of arrow f,, moving on ramp 21 and then falls back, urged by spring 23, and once past ramp 21 it returns to its original position, ready again to effect the movement of reloading device 9 when the trigger is actuated again.

It is to be observed that in this way successive movements of reloading device 9 can be effected which deliver a new cartridge ahead of the explosion chamber and the firing mechanism each time.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 the placement of a plurality of reloading devices 9 in a loader 24 for successive delivery to the firing position is illustrated. Loader 24 is constituted as a box, e.g. metallic, furnished at its upper end with a pressure member 25 which is acted on by a leaf spring 26 to apply the reloading devices 9 against each other. Loader 24 includes at its lower left comer (FIG. 3) an orifice 27, the side parts 28 being sloped to force a reloading device, following a reloading device that has already been used, to move slightly toward the left, issue from the loader to be engaged by catch 22.

FIG. 2 clearly shows how the loader can be readily attached to the apparatus by means of a lug 29 provided with an indentation that straddles a shouldered screw 30 fixed on the body of the apparatus. The loader is held moreover by another lug 31 which also presents a slot in which a knurled screw 32 mounted on a pin 33 pivoting about shaft 34 is engaged.

Shaft 34 is rigidly connected to a catch 35 that joins the front and back parts of the apparatus to ensure sufficient rigidity at the moment of firing, the said catch 35 comprising also a leaf spring 36 that is applied to reloading device 9 to hold it at the moment of its movements.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of reloading device 9 that is in the form of a wheel 37 whose hub 38 is mounted on a shaft 39 that is rigidly connected to a knurled button 40 which can be moved axially toward the right (FIG. 7) in opposition to a recall spring 41. In this way the reloading device 37 can be readily disassembled.

Reloading device 37 presents on its periphery 42, which has the form of a rim, orifices intended to receive cartridges 19 as well as recesses 20 and ramps like those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, which allow its movement by means of device of the same type as that shown in FIG. 1. Rim 42 is connected to hub 38 by spokes 43.

In FIG. 8 another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which reloading device 44 has the form of a piece with rectangular section, made of flexible or semirigid plastic coiled in a spiral inside loader 45.

The reloading device 44 also presents orifices intended for reception of cartridges l9 and recesses 20 analogous to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Loader 45 is attached in a manner similar to that of the loader shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

It is to be observed however that the apparatus of FIG. 8 includes a wedgeshaped element 46 to direct the end of reloading device 44 during its introduction into the apparatus and to prevent any tendency to remain coiled in a spiral.

FIG. 9 shows schematically an embodiment of the invention applied to a hammerpiecetype nail driver.

In addition to the firing elements and retaining elements which are analogous to those shown in FIG. 1, it is to be observed in FIG. 9 that there is a hammer 47 provided with its rod 48 which acts on nail 49 that is to be driven in.

Reloading device 37 which is used is of the type shown in FIG. 6. This reloading device 37 is mounted integrally in rotation on a shaft 50 which is removably mounted in bearings 51 and integrally in rotation at its other end with a nailcarrier device designated by numeral 52 as a whole, which is structurally similar to reloading device 37, except that it has a number of nails 49 on its periphery corresponding to the number of cartridges 19 on reloading device 37.

To ensure recall of piston 47 to its initial position after each firing, there is provided, in terms of the invention, a lever 53 which is rigidly joined to a sliding piece 54 placed longitudinally on the edge of barrel 1, constantly urged toward the right by the effect of thrust spring 55.

Element 53 has at its interior a sliding stop 56 which is thrust by a spring 57 in such a way that the end of said stop 56 projects into the barrel when lever 53 is moved toward the left and the stop is not in contact with correspondingly shaped ramp 58 on the barrel of the apparatus. Any movement of element 53 toward the left has the effect of bringing hammer piece 47 into firing position, whereas when element 53 is released, movable stop 56 automatically disappears and the barrel form is closed by piece 54.

In FIG. there are shown the various pieces that have been described, especially bearing 51 of shaft 50 which is constituted by a movable arm 51a held by a threaded nut 51b which in turn is mounted on a pin 51c articulated on the body of the apparatus.

The firing mechanism as well as the mechanism that effects the successive movements of reloading device 37 can be of the type already described. The operation of the apparatus is as follows:

We assume first that the loaders are full, and that therefore the apparatus is in the firing position as shown in FIG. 9. The forward part 59 of the apparatus is then applied to the surface on which the firing is to be effected, and then the trigger 13 is actuated, causing the firing of the cartridge which by means of hammer element 47 drives nail 49 into the material.

By thrusting lever 53 toward the left, piston 47 is repositioned, and by acting on the trigger the reloading device 37 is caused to rotate, bringing a new cartridge in front of the explosion chamber.

Since receptacle 52 is integral in rotation with reloading device 37, a new nail also is positioned opposite the hammer element and the apparatus is ready for a new firing.

In FIG. 11 a modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9 is illustrated. In this modification the reloading device 37 is integral with the nailholder 52 via shaft 50. The return of the hammer piston 47 to the firing position is ensured by an elastic sleeve 60 made in two parts 60a which are separated by a sliding washer 61, so that lever 53 is unnecessary.

In the embodiment shown the firing power can be adjusted by movement of the barrel 1 with reference to piece 62 which constitutes the firing chamber, the gas being able to escape through an annular orifice of adjustable section, as is known.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of the nailing hammergun of the present invention. In this embodiment the reloading devices are used which have the form of webs 70 with teeth 71 which contain either the cartridges or the nails that are to be driven.

Reloading devices 70 are driven by rotors 72 mounted pivotably on shafts 73 parallel to the barrel 1. Rotors 72 have pockets 74 on their periphery, the form of the pockets corresponding to the form of teeth 71.

A retaining piece 75 which is circular in form is placed near rotor 72 so that when the rotor turns the reloading device 70 will be held over its whole periphery when it reaches the vicinity of the barrel axis.

Each rotor 72 which is to drive a cartridge or nail reloading device is keyed on a control rotor 76 to turn in synchronism on the same shaft 73. The control rotors have recesses to allow passage either of firing mechanism 10 in the case of a rotor 76 controlling a cartridge reloading device, or the rod 48 of the hammer piston when the nail delivering rotor is involved.

The mechanism which effects the advance of the cartridges and of the nails is constituted by a rod or bar 77 sliding in two orifices 78 of the frame of the apparatus. At the back of the apparatus, said rod 77 is rigidly connected to a catch 79 thrust by a spring 80. Catch 79 engages in the ramped recesses (similar to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) which are provided on the cartridge control rotor 76 so that with each reciprocating motion of bar 77 there is an advancing movement corresponding to the delivery of a new cartridge in alignment with the barrel.

Bar 77 is also rigidly connected with a plate 81 which slides with reference to the apparatus by means of a guide rod 82 which moves inside an orifice 83, integral with the body of the apparatus.

The end of rod 82 also bears a catch 79 thrust by a spring which acts in the manner described above on control rotor 76 to cause successive advance of nails 49, to deliver them to the axis of the barrel.

A handle 84 slidably mounted with reference to bar 77 is provided at its end with a catch 56 that is thrust by a spring 57 to engage in slot 54 in the barrel and to return hammer piston 47 to the rear as explained above.

On bar 77 the handle 84 is constantly thrust toward the right by a spring 85 whereas a spring 86 thrusts rod 82 toward the right. The force of spring 85 is less than that of spring 86. The rest position is that shown in FIG. I2 in which 84 is applied against plate 81 which in turn is applied against the body of the apparatus.

After firing, the handle 84 is moved toward the left, compressing spring 85, and causing engagement of catch 56 behind the head of piston 47 and the backward movement of the piston. During this time spring 86 holds plate 81 in place. When handle 84 has travelled a certain distance toward the back and has sufficiently compressed spring 85, its final movement moves bar 77, plate 81 and catches 79 which are rigidly connected to it. The catches then cause rotation of the control rotors, bringing a new cartridge and a new nail into position, while hammer 47 is restored to the firing position. It is then only necessary to release handle 84 to have the apparatus ready to function again.

A movable tip 87 mounted on two rods 88 guides the nail at the moment of firing and allows mounting of nails 49 of various lengths in the same reloading device whose width corresponds to the length of the shortest nail. This offers an economic advantage.

FIG. 14 shows a modification of FIG. 12 in which reloading devices of the type shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are used for both cartridges and nails.

In this case also handle 84 ensures the advance of the cartridges and the nails and the return of the hammer. Although in FIG. 14 the handle 84 is shown above the apparatus, it could be placed to the side.

FIG. 15 shows the reloading device 9 which is recessed in its upper part, in which recesses catch 79 engages to effect its advance.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show an embodiment whereby the reloading device 9 seals the barrel.

For this effect, the end of the orifice of reloading device 9 which is ahead of the cartridge presents a lip 89 which upon explosion of the cartridge is applied to barrel 1 and ensures the seal as shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 shows a modification of the front part of the device shown in FIG. 12. In this modification the retaining piece 75 is split perpendicular to control rotor 76 which drives the nails, so that the corresponding catch 79 can be fixed directly on bar 77, spring 86 being also located on the bar. In this case it is advantageous to place tip 87 on two rods 88 disposed on the lower part.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a modification of the drive rotor of FIG. 13. In this modification there is interposed between retainer 75 and drive rotor 72 a chain 90 whose links are in mutual articulation. Each link 91 of this chain presents a substantially semicircular recess that cooperates with a corresponding recess of rotor 72 to hold the cartridge or the nail.

In this case the reloading device can be constituted in a much lighter way, the cartridges or nails being surrounded by a delicate envelope and joined by tongues or by very thin films.

According to this principle the cartridges and the nails can be molded directly into the plastic web, or placed after molding of the web in the orifices provided for the purpose.

In FIG. 20 the form of teeth 91 of the chain is especially to be noted, as well as that the reloading device is constituted by a web formed by envelopes 92 surrounding the cartridges which are cartridges by delicate tongues 93. As the chain passes on rotors 72, the tongues pass over notches 94 in the chain links.

FIGS. 21 to 23 show different embodiments of a reloading device of this kind for nails.

FIG. 21 represents in section a reloading device in the form of a flexible web in which each nail is held by two rings (one around the head and one around the shank), the said rings being joined by flexible bars of plastic material to form a flexible web. The rings of a single nail are also rigidly connected to each other by small bars of plastic material.

In the embodiment of FIG. 22 the reloading devices forming flexible webs are constituted by cylindrical walls that are joined by flexible bars. Each cylindrical wall is obturated on one side by a perforated base through which the nail shank passes, the head thereof being held in the cylindrical wall.

In the embodiment of FIG. 23 the nails are held in the flexible web by rings joined by flexible bars, the two rings for a single nail being joined by a tubular sleeve.

In the case of these three embodiments, the reloading devices are made of molded plastic.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show another embodiment of the invention in which the reloading devices for cartridges and nails are joined by thin films or tongues to constitute flexible webs, preferably plastic, driven by two rotors 72 which are disposed side by side on either side of the apparatus. These rotors present along their entire periphery lateral recesses which correspond and which are intended to receive cartridges or nails. The cartridge drive rotor and the nail drive rotor on the same side of the apparatus are mounted on a single shaft 73 or 73a.

Each rotor 72 for driving the nails is integral with a control rotor 76 which presents along its periphery ramped recesses such as those previously described, to allow an intermittent movement of the rotors.

The drive rotors may also have, on a nonrecessed portion on their periphery, cutting teeth which effect successive cuts of the reloading device in web form, constantly to eliminate the part that has just been used.

The driving can also be efiected with a handle 84 rigidly connected to a bar 77 which presents two catches 56 like those previously described which engage in ramps on the control rotors 76, of reverse action.

As described above, a traction on the handle 84 causes simultaneous advance of the rotors and the delivery to the axis of the barrel of a new cartridge and a new nail.

Of course, as in the earlier embodiments, handle 84 can also be used to return the hammer to the back position.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

In this modification barrel 1 is surrounded by a sleeve 1a which presents a longitudinal slit 98 inclined at 99 toward the end that is directed toward the mouth of the apparatus. Catch 56 which is rigidly connected with handle 84 passes through slit 98. In these conditions, it is understood that the movement of handle 84 which has been described above causes the closing of slit 54 when the apparatus is in firing position, while the slit coincides with slit 98 when catch 56 returns the hammer piston to the back, then passing through the two slits 54 and 98.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, barrel 1 is additionally mounted slidably in the body of the apparatus, being thrust by a spring 100. Consequently, at the moment of firing the back face 101 of the barrel can be applied against the front face of the plastic reloading device 9, which ensures a seal at time of firing. For this, the back part of the barrel which is adjacent to the cartridge can be provided with a circular recess which caps the end of the part of the reloading device that surrounds the cartridge in the firing position.

.The fact of slidably mounting the barrel in the body of the apparatus also offers the advantage of reduction of the length of the hammer and also the length of the apparatus.

In a modification which is not illustrated, a suitable device can be utilized to hold the gun in this position in which its rear end is applied against the reloading device.

IN FIG. 28 there is schematically shown how the reloading devices made as flexible webs can be placed in a case or loader 102 which has the form of a parallelepiped receptacle 103 articulated at 104 on the base of the grip of the apparatus. In the described apparatus this receptacle 103 is closed by a cover 105 pivoted at 106 which allows fixation of the upper part of the loader on the body of the apparatus by a necked stud 107 which engages in an orifice of the body of the apparatus where it is locked by a ball 108 thrust by a spring.

The reloading device is placed loosely inside receptacle 103, and in the illustrated embodiment it issues through an orifice near the cover, to be engaged between rotors 72 similar to those of FIG. 24, but which in the present case are disposed vertically, one above the other. (FIG. 28 is a schematic view in the direction opposed to the direction of fire of the apparatus).

In amodification. the reloading device in the form of a flexi- V,

ble web is caused to coil successively on rollers placed in the case which impose upon it a specific path inside the case and thereby facilitate its removal.

In this way it is possible to dispose a significant number of cartridges or nails without the length of the reloading web being bothersome to the user.

It is understood that the embodiments that have been described above are in no way limiting and that there can be any desired modification without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Particularly, it is obvious that the invention in its various embodiments can be adapted for use on impacting apparatus such as stunning guns or naildriving guns with direct action or with dead weight.

I claim:

1. Feeding apparatus for a cartridge fired device adapted to feed belted elements, said feeding apparatus including a pair of rigid rotative members which are mounted so as to receive said belted elements between their peripheries and which include means for being rotated about axes which are parallel to each other, with one such axis being located on each side of the barrel axis of said device, and including a plurality of notches formed in the peripheries of each of said rotative members for receiving and supporting the belted elements therebetween.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, including driving means for rotating both of said rotative members simultaneously by en' gaging notches formed in said rotative members.

3. A flexible belt for supplying a repeating cartridge fired device with elongated projectiles comprising a plurality of links for carrying an equal number of projectiles, each link having at least two annular parts for respectively carrying separate portions of a single projectile, both of said annular parts having an identical outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of said projectiles, said annular parts being spaced from one another and held in place by interconnecting band means, and including flexible interconnecting means for joining the annular parts of a given link with corresponding annular parts of adjacent links, said flexible interconnecting means being of substantial lesser thickness than said annular parts, such flexible interconnecting means which extend from one annular part being secured on that annular part of two diametrical opposite points.

4 The flexible belt as in claim 3 wherein said projectiles are nails and wherein said annular parts of a given link surround head and body portions respectively of a single nail.

5. Flexible belt as in claim 3 wherein said two annular parts are formed by a cylinder means having an open end for surrounding the head of a nail, and an opposite end which is perforated for surrounding a body portion of the nail.

I i i 8 i 

1. Feeding apparatus for a cartridge fired device adapted to feed belted elements, said feeding apparatus including a pair of rigid rotative members which are mounted so as to receive said belted elements between their peripheries and which include means for being rotated about axes which are parallel to each other, with one such axis being located on each side of the barrel axis of said device, and including a plurality of notches formed in the peripheriEs of each of said rotative members for receiving and supporting the belted elements therebetween.
 2. Apparatus as in claim 1, including driving means for rotating both of said rotative members simultaneously by engaging notches formed in said rotative members.
 3. A flexible belt for supplying a repeating cartridge fired device with elongated projectiles comprising a plurality of links for carrying an equal number of projectiles, each link having at least two annular parts for respectively carrying separate portions of a single projectile, both of said annular parts having an identical outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of said projectiles, said annular parts being spaced from one another and held in place by interconnecting band means, and including flexible interconnecting means for joining the annular parts of a given link with corresponding annular parts of adjacent links, said flexible interconnecting means being of substantial lesser thickness than said annular parts, such flexible interconnecting means which extend from one annular part being secured on that annular part of two diametrical opposite points.
 4. The flexible belt as in claim 3 wherein said projectiles are nails and wherein said annular parts of a given link surround head and body portions respectively of a single nail.
 5. Flexible belt as in claim 3 wherein said two annular parts are formed by a cylinder means having an open end for surrounding the head of a nail, and an opposite end which is perforated for surrounding a body portion of the nail. 